HISD deadlines on architect, engineer qualifications

The Houston Independent School District’s new cutoff date to receive requests for qualification proposals from architects and engineers to design plans for projects in the $1.89 billion bond is Tuesday — extended from the original deadline on Jan. 7.

The district has said it's received proposals from numerous firms across the state and the U.S. interested in vying for the projects.

All of the work will be broken down into four stages, or groups of schools.

The planning and design stage for the first group, 17 schools, will go through mid-2013, and construction is expected to begin by the end of 2014.

This is also the first time HISD has hosted prospective vendor workshops for companies that want more information on how to do business with the district.

HISD plans to hold interviews with selected firms in January before sending its recommendation to the board of education. The board could consider awarding contracts in late February.

Many architecture firms are teaming up with each other to collectively increase their K-12 experience and become more marketable to the district.

“The RFQ is very detailed and is very particular in the kind of information it asks for,” said PBK CEO Dan Boggio.

School district selection process of architects and engineersTexas state law calls for consideration of two key selection criteria after bonds are passed when professional services contracts are let to architects, engineers or surveyors:• First, select the most highly qualified provider of those services on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualifications.• Then, attempt to negotiate with that provider a contract at a fair and reasonable price.